Museums a Plenty

This past month has been one of intrigue, fascination, and admiration. Science, Religion and Politics have been discussion topics at the dinner table as three very iconic individuals have made an impression on the munchkins. Ben Franklin, Pope John Paul II, and Thomas Jefferson. We have had the opportunity to visit the Franklin Science Institute in Philadelphia, the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home, in Charlottesville, VA.

Little Man B is a HUGE fan of Ben Franklin and his Institute. This is our second visit and he wanted a picture with this famous BEN! The statue is called "The Franklin" which sits just inside the entrance.

We went to the Institute to view the traveling exhibit entitled "BODY WORLDS." BODY WORLDS is a one of a kind exhibit. It involves human specimens who have been preserved by a process of Plastination invented by Dr. Gunter von Hagens. Several family members who had recently seen the exhibit thought it would be worth the time and money to share with the munchkins. It was an absolutely amazing exhibit and so educational for everyone. It just makes one realize how intricate and fragile the human body is constructed.

Eager for a family activity on a dreary Saturday, we headed up to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC. We thoroughly enjoyed the collection of Papal items, gifts received from all over the world, and his life story depicted throughout the Center. It is a wonderful tribute to a truly amazing man. The boys really liked the replica of the Swiss Guard in the display case. They both thought the uniform was cool!

I had the pleasure of joining Big Sister on her field trip to Monticello. Here she is with Thomas Jefferson. Not sure whose hands are on his shoulders...one of those mischievous male classmates perhaps? Walking the grounds of Monticello, hearing personal anecdotes of Jefferson as a private citizen, and learning about his many interests gave me a greater appreciation for our 3rd President.

The house that Jefferson built

Big Sister sitting in a Jefferson chair

Vacuuming, Dangerous?

I am brutal on vacuums. In the past twelve years of marital bliss, I have literally blown through four vacuums. Perhaps it is a sign I vacuum too much?

Well, last Monday, after assembling my new "Dirt Devil" I was motivated to hit this house from top to bottom...it had been a few days and the lint was starting to appear. As I went from the mid-level of our three story townhouse, I pulled the cord (it was not plugged in) to tackle the lower level. I looked back to see where the cord was only to turn just as the plug connected with my right eye socket. I thought nothing of it until I looked in the mirror and noted a knot emerging from my side profile. Ice was applied and it was not until later that afternoon that I noticed the colorful sign of a black eye appearing.

This time the vacuum won!

Halloween

I decided what the Little Dudes would "be" for Halloween. For weeks, I was getting non-committal responses to "What would you like to be this year?" We had received several costume catalogs and perused the Internet, but nothing seemed to excite them.

I quickly remembered a costume I had seen in some searches months ago and was eager to present my suggestion. The Little Dudes seemed a bit hesitant, but, when I stated we could make the Lego bricks in their color choice they agreed. Seeing as most of their free time is spent immersed in Legos, I could see nothing more fitting for them to portray.

Hubby gets ALL the credit for implementing my idea. I had gathered some boxes and purchased the 1 lb tubs from the Commissary Deli. The lady working the counter was perplexed by my request for a dozen empty containers. Not a common request, I suppose.

The costumes received numerous compliments which pleased the Little Dudes. However, they complained that a box-shaped costume was not so "comfortable." The back of the boxes kept coming un-velcroed if they walked at an accelerated pace. I tried making an analogy of women wearing heels. (They look good yet they are not the most comfortable). Not convinced, Little Dude B stated: "This costume is dumb but it looks cool! Everybody knows what were are!"

Big Sister is such an old soul. She is not fond of ghoulish attire and trying to get her to be a"Sleestack" was futile. She was content to dig through her dress-up box and decided to use her favorite Poodle skirt. New bobby socks and a striped shirt was all we needed to complete "the look." She agreed that her 8th Halloween was a success.

Our 50's gal

Pieced Together

Two weeks ago, my neighbor casually asked me if the Moloko siblings would be interested in some Playmobile. Her children are quickly moving into their teen years and were in need of extra closet space. I myself am a HUGE Playmobile fan and quickly responded with a big YES!

Moments later the doorbell rang and beyond the two paper boxes and Rubbermaid containers stood my neighbor. She mentioned that there was some pieces to a castle, a sheriff's office, and some horses. Her only request was that if we found the Nativity pieces that we return those along with the Rubbermaid containers. Simple enough.

Fortunately, the kids were eager to get started as was I. It was a daunting task though...no directions included. The items in the boxes were scattered, so, trying to determine which pieces went to which set was difficult. Luckily, we have a Playmobile catalog in the house and quickly determined that we had a lodge and an airplane in our possesion.

Yikes, where to begin?

The Airplane was Easy!

Sorting in progress

Castle pieces, I think

I completely understand Little Dude B's frustration. He is working on the Lodge.

After three days of scouring the Internet for pictures and guides we managed to put five completely different sets together. During this process, I discovered that four of the five sets are retired and worth a small fortune in the Ebay and Craigslist Worlds. Just out of curiosity, I called and spoke with a Playmobile representative about obtaining directions to our *new* sets. She stated that I could purchase directions if so desired. I declined. Heck, with a little bit of searching, willing children, and a rainy weekend, we made the clutter disappear. Sadly, there are some mystery pieces remaining. It will just have to wait until the next unscheduled rain day weekend.

It Never Disappoints

So many memories of my childhood, teen years, and early adulthood are centered in and around Quantico, Virginia. Fall was always my favorite season as the tree lined entrance and exit to the base were just breathtaking once the temps cooled and the leaves began their metamorphosis.

In a recent discussion with my grandfather, I shared with him that although Quantico has changed in appearance over the years, I can always count on the treeline behind my beloved preschool to bring back the sights and smells of fall! It never disappoints...

My favorite treeline

The "Red Hut" - My preschool

E-A-G-L-E-S

Over the years, I have humored Hubby's allegiance to his beloved Philadelphia Eagles. I typically jump on the bandwagon and cheer towards the playoffs. I realized just last weekend how I have become a fan in my own right. Hubby was in Okinawa, it was raining outside, so, I turned the game on and watched with the kids. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would have taken so much pleasure, without Hubby present. Sadly, the Eagles did not win, but, I have came to realize that I REALLY like watching Football. Perhaps it is viewing the game on our new 50" TV rather than the 19" we have had for the past 11+years.

About two weeks ago, we headed to the Philadelphia area to visit with family and friends. A quick trip to the local Target for missing odds and ends not packed, provided an opportunity to peruse a multitude of Eagles paraphrenalia. The kids enjoyed the selection and enjoyed modeling the unique items not found here in Redskins country. Hubby finally bought me a t-shirt so I too can show my Eagles pride.

Diorama Days

The first major 3rd grade "project" of the year was assigned, you know...the one with three weeks notice and a lengthy instruction sheet. Big Sister was to create an animal habitat diorama in which two animals and two plants are found. The students have been assigned two U.S. states to feature in all projects throughout the year. She chose to highlight her former home of Hawaii vs. New York. Sounds simple enough, right?

Hawaii seemed like the easy choice until were started our brainstorming. She had to determine whether to include indigenous or endemic creatures, whether to select the rain forest, volcanic, ocean, mountain, or red dirt landforms. After much debate, sketches rendered and research completed, she chose to highlight those plants most associated with Hawaii: Pineapple and Sugar Cane. As for the animals, she chose the Nene bird (State bird)and the Mongoose.

With our visions, that would be Hubby, Big Sister, and me, we embarked upon the creation of the diorama. It definitely was a collaborative effort trying to incorporate all the necessary information in 3D form. It was not an easy task trying to highlight the chosen plants and animals while revealing the water, food, and shelters needed for survival. Oh, extra points were to be awarded for creativity. No pressure, right?

Big Sister definitely earned those creativity points. The bread twist ties, coffee stir sticks, fennel seeds, Styrofoam bullet packaging, rice paper, paint, model magic and stamps helped to create her Hawaiian habitat.

Just some interesting facts learned along the way.
1. Meerkats are part of the Mongoose Family.
2. Mongoose fur is used to make paint brushes
3. The rarest bird in the world is the Nene Bird.

Painting the Styrofoam...resembling red dirt for plants.

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Model magic...Nene birds

Stamped palm trees for the background. Coloring the branches.

Stamped Pineapples & stamped Geckos in the fields

Model Magic Mongoose

The finished project